inView 1SPRING 2016

The Big Tidy Up saw 50 volunteers, including BVT

staff, the Trust’s chief executive, and chairman Duncan Cadbury, spend a week in March sprucing up areas of Birmingham and Telford.

Projects were nominated by residents and ranged from litter picking and gardening to cleaning, repairs and rubbish removal.

Community groups were also involved and included Rowheath Pavilion, Bournville Junior School, Hay Green Allotment and Lightmoor Primary School.

Peter Roach, Chief Executive at Bournville

Village Trust, said: “I would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to take part in the inaugural Big Tidy Up.

“The initiative is an important one that not only got BVT staff out and about in the local community but also tackled things that make a difference to residents. It’s been a great success.”

Volunteers who gave their time were invited to mark the project with tea and cake at BVT’s offices in Bournville and Lightmoor Village.

A number of litter pickers were also given to residents who expressed an interest in continuing the clean-up work throughout the year.

To see photographs from the Big Tidy Up, turn to page 8.

…tackled things that make a difference to residents. It’s been a great success.”

inViewBournville Village Trust’s quarterly resident newsletter

Insi

de

Spring 2016

bournville village trustbvtnews0300 333 6540 bvt.org.ukenquiries@bvt.org.uk

Big Tidy Up hailed a successBournville Village Trust’s first tidy up campaign has been hailed a success, with residents, schools and community groups all giving their time to help.

Right to Buy - your questions answered

Page 5

Why I went digital – reader’s story

Page 6

Memorial gets special listing

Page 9

Win prizes with competitions

Page 12

Selly Manor Museum is inviting children to design a wall-hung medieval banner – similar to those favoured by knights and royalty – to celebrate its centenary.

The museum, which is managed by BVT, is celebrating 100 years since it was saved from demolition by George Cadbury and moved to Bournville.

Open to children aged 11 and under, the

winner’s design will be made into a real banner by an expert in historical design.

It will be unveiled at the launch of the Museum’s centenary exhibition in August and will then go on permanent display for thousands of visitors to enjoy each year.

To enter the competition, visit sellymanormuseum.org.uk, and for more Selly Manor news turn to page 10.

Competition launched to design banner for Manor

Would you like to receive the inView magazine via email rather than a paper copy?

In a bid to be more environmentally-friendly, we’re now offering to email the newsletter to residents who would prefer to read it online.

If you’d like to opt in to a digital version of this magazine, please email inview@bvt.org.uk with your name, address and your email address.

Read all about it– inView now available via email

inView2 SPRING 2016

Hello and welcome to the spring issue of inView, your four-

times-a-year newsletter from Bournville Village Trust (BVT).

Spring is often a time when we start to think about ‘de-junking’. From taking old clothes to a charity shop to clearing out the loft, it’s a great time to get organised.

To give neighbourhoods in Birmingham and Telford a little spring clean, 50 volunteers took part in BVT’s first ever Big Tidy Up campaign in March.

From litter picking and gardening to rubbish removal and repairs, the campaign attempted to tackle the things you told us would make a difference and we hope we succeeded.

Speaking of spring, now is also a great opportunity to start preparing your garden for the year ahead. To help you get started, our landscapes manager has put together some top tips which you can read on page 9.

Also offering advice in this issue is the Northfield Community Partnership. The charity offers a range of free services to all, including computer training, and for our Let’s Get Digital campaign, which is encouraging as many residents as possible to give computers and the internet a try, they’re sharing five top tips for computer beginners.

If you don’t think computers are for you, I’d encourage you to read Joyce Stone’s story on page 6. Joyce shows that with a little help you can really enjoy the benefits of going digital.

Lastly, don’t forget to enter our competitions on page 12 to be in with the chance of winning vouchers to spend on the high street. You could always spend them on a spring DIY project of your own.

If you have any feedback about the newsletter, or a story to share, please email me clairemorrall@bvt.org.uk or call 0300 333 6540. Happy reading!

As this is my first column of the New Year I thought I would take the opportunity to share with you

some challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.

In the last issue, I touched on the challenge that we, other housing associations and a number of residents face as a result of the changes outlined by the Government.

Some of these changes, such as rent reductions, which essentially reduce our funding, and further cuts to benefits, which impact on residents, still remain.

Others, like the extension of Right to Buy and the Pay to Stay initiative are being finalised by Government, although the latter, which would have seen tenants who earn over £30,000 a year charged up to full market rents, will now be voluntary. This means we will not be forced to adopt this policy and we are currently considering how best to respond to this latest development.

Whilst there are challenges ahead, there also continues to be opportunities. I am delighted to report that work is progressing at Bournville’s flagship Care Village, College Green. The first phase opened late last year and the second is well underway, you can read more about this on page 8.

Nationally, the Government is keen to see housing associations like us build more homes. Whilst we may not develop as many homes as other housing associations, we are building and not just in Bournville but in Telford too.

Together, the Care Village and

Lightmoor will create around 1,400 new homes, including homes for rent for people on low incomes. If this isn’t a great opportunity and something to be proud of in these challenging times I don’t know what is.

Lastly, following a decision by our Trustees and the committee of management of Bournville Works Housing Society, we will now be working more closely with the Society – including sharing the same Board/committee members.

As ever if you have a question for me to answer in this newsletter, please email inview@bvt.org.uk

Peter Roach

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

A word from the Chief Executive

Dear Editor,I wish to thank you for your £20 high street voucher. On

opening the envelope, I just could not believe my eyes. Having

completed the wordsearch in the BVT magazine [inView] –

which I had completely forgotten about – I was over the moon

as I don’t normally go in for that sort of thing. You would have

thought I had won the lottery!

Once again many thanks to all concerned.

Mrs K DoyleBournville

Dear Editor,I was one of the deprived children living in the back-to-back

houses also known as the slums. I was one of the many to go

to the Manor Farm Park, Northfield. What a day – open top bus,

singing away, tub of ice cream (a second one if you collected the

empties), drinks and looking at the green grass.

My husband and I were Bournville tenants for a total of 49

years. I came to live in Devon as I was unable to look after

myself. I wish you well with the project [Cadbury Barn], may it

give joy to all.Mrs L MalynDevon

MAILBAG

inView 3SPRING 2016

Thousands of families from across the West Midlands

and beyond flocked to Bournville’s children’s book festival.

Bournville BookFest, which took place from 18th-20th March, featured over 80 events across 13 different venues.

Highlights included workshops with bestselling authors Nick Sharratt (Shark in the Park), Jeremy Strong (My Brother’s Famous Bottom) and Korky Paul (Winnie the Witch).

The event was organised by the Busy Parents Network with support from Bournville Village Trust, Arts Council England, the Big Lottery and the Library of Birmingham Trust.

One of the many events at Bournville BookFest

Thousands flock to children’s book festival

From April, we are making some changes to how tenants receive rent statements from us.

In a bid to deliver better value-for-money and be more environmentally-friendly, we will no longer be posting rent statements four times a year.

Instead, if you would like to see your statement, or request a balance, we are providing a number of different options for you to do this. These include: • Call our Customer Services team on

0300 333 6540 (Birmingham) from 8.30am-5pm or 01952 293 777 (Telford).

• Pop into one of our offices in Birmingham and Telford.

• Sign up to See my Data at bvt.org.uk, where you can access your rent account online or check and make payments. To sign up to See my Data call the Customer

Services team on the number above or visit our website bvt.org.uk/your-bvt/register-for-seemydata where you will find a link to a registration form.

Tenants who are working with our Income team in regard to their rent account will continue to receive regular statements with any letters.

If you have any questions about the change, please call us on the numbers above.

Important change to your rent statement

Rent statements are going paperless

Residents in Birmingham and Telford who go above and beyond to look after their gardens are to be recognised with a new award, launching next month.

The BVT Garden Award will replace the annual garden competition and will be given to residents whose gardens meet a standard of excellence.

Those who meet the criteria, which has been developed in partnership with residents, will be awarded a plaque to display outside their home if they choose to.

Theresa Gordon, Community Services Co-ordinator at BVT, said: “The project has been developed with the support of a resident focus group who have worked with us to decide on the criteria, the standard of excellence, and the design of the award.”

For the full criteria, visit bvt.org.uk and for tips on getting your garden ready for spring, turn to page 9.

Great gardens to be recognised L-R Theresa Gordon from BVT with gardener Sue Harris and the new award.

inView4 SPRING 2016

From time to time you may hear people use the term safeguarding when talking

about children or vulnerable people, but what does it really mean and why does it matter?

What is safeguarding?In broad terms, safeguarding

is about protecting vulnerable adults, such as people who need support because of their physical or mental health, age or a disability, or children from abuse or neglect.

Abuse could range from financial abuse, such as withholding money, to physical neglect.

Why do I need to know about safeguarding?

Safeguarding isn’t the responsibility of one organisation or person, it’s about everyone working together to protect the most vulnerable from abuse. If you suspect someone is being abused, you shouldn’t be afraid or worried about raising your concerns.

How do BVT promote safeguarding?

All staff have an understanding of safeguarding,

including the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, and what they should do if they have any concerns.

If I suspect that someone is being abused, what should I do?

If you live in Birmingham, contact the Adults &

Communities Access Point (ACAP) on 0121 303 1234 (option 1) or email ACAP@birmingham.gov.uk. If you live in Telford, call ACAP on 01952 459 252. If you have concerns about a child or young person in Birmingham, call the Multi-Agency Safeguarding HUB (MASH) on 0121 303 1888 or email MASH@birmingham.gov.uk. In an emergency you should call the Police.

I’m worried about speaking up.Sometimes people are afraid

to speak up because they feel they will get someone into trouble or could cause more distress. All safeguarding concerns are responded to sensitively and the focus is on getting it right for the person concerned. Any action taken will be proportionate.

For more information, visit the Birmingham Safeguarding Adults Board website bsab.org or the Telford Safeguarding Board website telfordsafeguarding board.org.uk

We also have a video about safeguarding on our website bvt.org.uk/our-communities/safeguarding

Safeguarding – what’s it all about?

You said we

did

You Said: Residents in Shenley said they felt cut off from our office in Bournville, missed face-to-face contact with housing staff, and felt unable to raise local issues.

In each edition of this newsletter, we’ll tell you how we’re improving our services in response to your feedback.

We Did: Last summer we held a number of pop-up shops in the Shenley area and monthly housing surgeries from September to December. All homes received a leaflet about these, and BVT housing and community staff were available and ready to talk to residents. The pop-ups and surgeries were very poorly attended however, we are still keen to hear from and meet with Shenley residents if and when you have issues to raise. You can do this by calling us on 0300 333 6540, email enquiries@bvt.org.uk, contact us via social media or visit our office at 350 Bournville Lane, Birmingham.

Telford residents we need you!

Safeguarding protects vulnerable people including the elderly

Would you like to learn new skills and make a real difference to the services that we provide to residents?

We’re looking for Telford residents to join our Scrutiny Panel which monitors our performance and looks for where improvements can be made to services.

Joining the group, which meets regularly, is a

great opportunity to help shape services, meet new people, learn new skills and gain a greater insight into how we work.

For more information, or to register your interest in joining the Panel, email Fleur Hemming, Community Development and Involvement Manager, fleurhemming@bvt.org.uk or call 01952 293 777.

Members needed for Panel

inView 5SPRING 2016

In the last issue, we explained that the Government has accepted a proposal to voluntarily extend

Right to Buy to homes managed by housing associations. Here is the lowdown on Right to Buy and how it could impact you.

Remind me again, what is changing?Historically Right to Buy, which gives

tenants the chance to buy their home, has applied to council housing, or those with preserved Right to Buy. Now, the Government is planning to extend the scheme to tenants in housing association homes.

How does it currently work?At the moment, the majority of BVT

tenants don’t have the Right to Buy their home. However, as Right to Buy will be applied to all housing associations, including BVT, this will change, in part.

What do you mean ‘in part’?Well, it is understood that homes

built without public funding, which a large number of homes managed by BVT are, will be exempt from the extension. Where this applies, tenants would have a portable discount to buy another property.

How much of a discount will be offered?

Discounts start at 35% for a house and 50% for a flat. The maximum is 70%, but that is currently capped at £77,900 outside London.

When will the scheme start? The Government is carrying out a

Right to Buy pilot with a number of housing associations. Full plans are currently being drawn up.

Where can I find out more?You can visit the Government’s

website righttobuy.communities.gov.uk for more information and we will continue to update you in this newsletter and our website.

A Telford woman who has lost over 16 stone in 54 weeks has credited joining the Council’s aspirations gym with her incredible transformation.

Tamara joined her local gym in January 2015 and hasn’t looked back.

She said: “I used to hate the gym. I tried aspirations in the past, about seven years ago, and didn’t like it at all but now I love it.

“I don’t miss the old me or what I used to be like and I’m looking forward to the future now.”

The aspirations gym at Horsehay Village Golf Centre, Wellington Road, Telford, is offering people their first month for free

when they join up. You don’t have to play

golf to join the gym, which hosts a wide range of equipment.

To join online, visit telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk/joinnow and enter the promo code: hvgc16 or call 01952 382639

Aspirational - Tamara credits gym with transformation

1: What does your job involve on a day-to-day basis?

I’m responsible for the day-to-day running of the Hall as well as the groups and activities that take place there. My role is varied and no two days are the same. One day I can be ploughing my way through budgets and accounts, the next I’m cooking for our lunch club or helping out in our Out of School

Club. I also work closely with Shenley Youth & Community Trust which hold the lease for the Hall and employ the team of 12 staff members.2: How long have you worked for BVT and what did you do before?

I’ve been employed by BVT for 16 years. Before this, I spent several years working with children and I’m a qualified nursery nurse.

3: What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy most elements of my job but especially working with people. I am a people person and like nothing more than feeling as though I’ve made a difference, no matter how small.4: How can you help me?

If you live in the area, pop in and ask about the activities on offer, we have a very varied timetable with something for everyone. Or maybe you have an idea for a new group. We’re happy to help and support you to get activities up and running. 5: How can I contact you?

You can visit us at Shenley Court Hall, 200 Green Meadow Road, B29 4ED, call me on 0121 475 7521 or email karenturvey@bvt.org

Five Questions for…Karen Turvey, Manager of Shenley Court Hall

Help a click away for bill payers The lowdown on

Right to Buy

Tamara before her weight loss

Tamara after losing over 16 stone

Homes in Bournville

Are you struggling to afford your water bill or other household bills?

If the answer is yes, new online tools from the Consumer Council for Water (CCWater) could support you to find benefits and grants to help.

The Benefits Calculator helps check quickly if you’re entitled to a wide range of means-tested benefits, while a grants search tool can be used to get assistance from more than 3,000 charitable funds.

For more details visit CCWater’s website at ccwater.org.uk/savewaterandmoney/.

If you haven’t got internet access, call one of the Council’s trained advisors on 0300 034 2222.

The CCWater website also features a water meter calculator to help you work out if you’d make savings by switching to a meter. And, if you’re on a low income, there is a social tariff guide to identify whether your water company can offer you a reduced bill.

inView6 SPRING 2016

If it wasn’t for a far flung friend who was starting to struggle to get to the post office, Joyce

Stone may never have bothered with computers.

Despite being introduced to them at work just before her retirement, Joyce had never really felt confident with new technology.

Then her 92-year-old friend, who lives in Maryland in the USA, confessed that her regular trips to the post office to send letters to Joyce were getting more difficult.

She asked Joyce, who lives in Bournville, to set up an email account so they could keep in touch more easily.

“My niece gave me an article by Age UK about the ‘Breezie’, a tablet computer equipped for first time older learners like me,” said Joyce.

Whilst Joyce set up an email account to start chatting to her friend, she still didn’t feel completely confident.

“I purchased one and with their phone support got myself equipped, but I still felt as if I wasn’t progressing and still had many questions to ask.”

“When I saw the article in the winter issue of inView, I phoned the [BVT] Community team for advice,” she said.

Joyce was put in touch with the Northfield Community partnership by BVT and is now receiving one-to-one support through ‘Learn my way’ - an easy to follow training course.

The 86 year old says she now feels more confident with emails and is in constant communication with

her friend on the other side of the Atlantic and other friends and family.

So what is Joyce’s advice for other BVT residents thinking about dipping their toe in the digital water?

“Don’t be left behind and feeling on the outside, the best thing I did was to take the first step towards training. You just need to embrace the opportunity to learn,” said Joyce.

Joyce is amazed at the support she has received and has also used the internet to find out about her old club, the Birmingham CHA Ramblers, and watch videos of Morecambe and Wise and the Two Ronnie’s.

She now hopes to learn how to shop and pay bills online.

“If I can do it anyone can,” said Joyce. “Don’t miss out just because you are an older resident, overcome your fears because technology can change your life”

If you’d like support to use computers, call BVT’s Community Team in Birmingham on 0300 333 6540 or Telford on 01952 293 777.

Buying your own computer needn’t cost the earth.

Charity Computer Aid makes high quality, low cost computer equipment available to UK online centres and their learners, including desktop computers

from just £60.For more information, you can

visit ukonlinecentres.com/running-your-centre/other-sites-and-tools/computer-aid-offer or call Computer Aid on 0208 361 5540.

Joyce Stone (R) shows Carole Lowe from BVT how she uses her tablet

‘It’s the best thing I did’ Joyce explains benefits of going digital

Top tips for computer beginnersHas Joyce’s story inspired you to give digital a go? Here are five top tips from the Northfield Community Partnership to get you started.

1: PATIENCE: Be patient with yourself, everyone finds it difficult and frustrating to learn how to use computers.

2: ASK: Ask for help at any time. We have all needed help at one time or another and people are more than willing to help you succeed.

3: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Repeat things until you are familiar with them. Don’t be scared about making mistakes. Everyone comes to computers with a different background and experience, and everyone learns to use them at a different pace.

4: HAVE FUN: Computers are also for fun. Find out about playing games, keep in touch with family and friends via social media and email. Use computers to listen to music and to watch TV and films.

5: DON’T PANIC: Don’t panic, it really will all make sense in the end. You’ll get there.

Northfield Community Partnership is a charity based on Northfield High Street that delivers a range of free services to all, including computer training, job search support, assistance with preparing CVs, free computer access and a food bank.

For more information, visit northfieldcommunity.org or call them on 0121 411 2157.

Bournville Community Hub has free Wi-Fi

Making computer ownership affordable

The Oak Tree centre in Lightmoor Village

LET’S GET DIGITAL SPECIAL

Computers needn’t cost the earth

inView 7SPRING 2016

If you’ve already got the skills to confidently use computers, there are plenty of places that you can get free

access to the internet.

Here are our top ten recommendations:

1Live in one of our sheltered schemes? All schemes now have free Wi-Fi

meaning you can surf the web at no cost. Speak to your scheme’s manager to find out more.

2Free Wi-Fi has just been installed in our Alder Lane apartments meaning that if

you have a computer, tablet or phone with internet access, you can now use the internet for free there.

3Don’t have a computer or internet access? Our office at 350 Bournville

Lane, Bournville, has free Wi-Fi and two communal computers.

4If you’re visiting Dame Elizabeth Hall in Bournville, free Wi-Fi is available for you

to log-on to whilst using the Hall.

5 Shenley Court Hall in Selly Oak has an IT suite with free Wi-Fi access. Get in touch

if you’re interested in a drop-in session or beginners class, and we will investigate these possibilities further. Contact Karen Turvey at the Hall on 0121 475 7521 or Jess Allan from BVT on 0300 333 6540.

6The recently opened Bournville Community Hub on Sycamore Road,

Bournville, has free Wi-Fi and cakes on sale, meaning you can plug your laptop in and tuck into some lemon drizzle at the same time.

7Rowheath Pavilion in Bournville is also a Wi-Fi hot spot and has a community

café – the perfect place for some relaxed web surfing.

8The Northfield Community Partnership, which you can read about opposite, has

free Wi-Fi and access to computers.

9Live in Telford? The Oak Tree community centre in Lightmoor is a registered UK

online centre with residents enjoying free access to 12 computers with internet access.

10 Oakengates Library in Telford has it all – free computers, internet access and

Wi-Fi as well as a colour printer, photocopier and a café.

Bournville Community Hub has free Wi-Fi

Got the knowhow but not the kit?

The Oak Tree centre in Lightmoor Village

LET’S GET DIGITAL SPECIAL

Jargon busterEmail: Messages sent electronically from one computer user to another.Social media: Websitse and tools that people can use to create and share photos, messages and other content, and socialise online. Tablet: A portable, touchscreen

computer. Website: A group of pages on the internet containing information on a particular subject. Wireless network: Often just known as Wi-Fi, it’s a way of getting internet access without all the wires.

inView8 SPRING 2016

Plans to build Birmingham’s first housing and care village are moving forward, with the

second part of the flagship project set for completion by autumn.

Bournville Care Village, College Green, which is being developed by BVT in partnership with others, will be home to over 400 older people once complete.

It will combine housing for older people, including affordable homes for rent, with on-site health and social care facilities, such as a GP practice and pharmacy.

There are also plans to include accommodation to support people discharged from hospital to get back on their feet, helping to ease pressure on local hospitals.

Work to complete the second part of the development, a nursing home managed by Gracewell, is well underway and is expected to be complete by September.

Peter Roach, Chief Executive of Bournville Village Trust, said: “With the first phase already complete and the second moving forward at pace, Bournville Care Village is really starting to take shape.

“Most importantly, its first residents are already enjoying a new lease of

life with access to a range of facilities designed to boost independence and tackle isolation.

“By the autumn, a fantastic nursing home will also open and we firmly believe that once the whole Village is complete it will set new standards for integrating housing and care.”

Bournville Care Village is being developed by Bournville Village Trust in partnership with the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, Gracewell, Birmingham City Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

For more information about Bournville Care Village, visit bvt.org.uk

Plans for Bournville’s first care village move forward

No excuse not to pick up after your pooch With spring in full bloom, dog owners are being reminded to help keep their neighbourhoods spotless by clearing up after their pooches.

Richard Hughes, Estate Manager at BVT in Birmingham, said: “Dog waste doesn’t have to be placed in a special bin, it can be bagged and put into general waste bins around our parks and open spaces.

“Please help to keep where you live clean by taking that extra couple of minutes to pick up after your dog. With almost 100 bins in

Bournville alone, there really is no excuse not to pick up after your dog. “

In Birmingham, the City Council is responsible for all publicly-adopted areas, including most roads and footpaths, and grass verges and trees along highways. Some of the parks and open spaces also belong to the Council.

If you see dog fouling on public footpaths and roads, you can report it via the Council’s website birmingham.gov.uk/straydogs. In Telford, you can report dog fouling to the Council at telford.gov.uk

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Big Tidy Up, which you can read all about on the front page. Here are just a few of the photos from the week.

Big Tidy Up – picture special

Jason Cooper, Site Manager at Seddon, outside the second phase of the village

With almost 100 bins in Bournville, picking up after your pooch needn’t be a chore

Jessica Butler with Sian Davies from BVT and other volunteers litter

picking at the Bath Spout, Lightmoor.

Chair of BVT Duncan Cadbury volunteering for the Big Tidy Up with resident Mona Elder.

Volunteers from BVT cleaning in

Bournbrook Gardens in Telford.Lightmoor Primary pupils Joel Rogers and

Lewis Wheaver gardening with Becci Youlden

from BVT. Residents Bob Booth and Brian Davis

litter picking on Bristol Road.

inView 9SPRING 2016

Work is expected to start on 200 new family homes in Telford this spring after plans were given the green light by the Council.

Bournville Village Trust will develop the homes in partnership with Keepmoat and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) on land north of Lightmoor Village, following approval from Telford and Wrekin Council.

Two, three and four-bedroom houses will be built for sale by developer Keepmoat on the 20-acre site, of which

50 will be homes for rent managed by Bournville Village Trust.

Peter Roach, Chief Executive of Bournville Village Trust, said: “We believe these homes will have a positive impact not just on local housing supply, but on the community as a whole by injecting money into local facilities and services.

“The Village has benefitted hugely from investment from the HCA and we are pleased to be working with them and Keepmoat on this exciting new phase for Lightmoor.”

If your garden is looking a little sorry for itself after winter, why not try these top tips from our Landscapes Manager Lloyd Gower to bring it back to bloom.

1: Start checking all your garden machinery to make sure it’s all in good working order for the season ahead.

2: If the weather is warm, start to mow your lawn. Set the cutting height at its maximum and only mow when the grass is dry to avoid damaging it.

3: Gusts and gales can damage tree ties, take a look to see if any need replacing, tightening or slackening.

4: Mulch and feed shrubs, trees, hedges and climbers after you’ve pruned them to give them the energy they’ll need for the extra growth they will put on after pruning.

5: Top dress beds and borders with a balanced fertiliser, such as ‘Growmore’ or ‘Blood, fish and bone’, to feed perennials as they begin to grow again.

Gardens - what are my responsibilities? If you are a BVT resident, then you are responsible for making sure that your garden is well maintained.

This includes keeping it in a reasonable condition, including weeding and grass cutting, and pruning hedges and trees when needed. Full guidance can be found in your tenancy agreement or in homeowner documentation.

If you’re struggling to maintain your garden, Age UK may be able to direct you to organisations locally which can help.

You can also find second hand garden equipment on websites such as preloved.co.uk, eBay.co.uk or freecycle.org

TOP TIPS for spring gardening

Plans for 200 new homes get green light

A memorial to honour brave men who died during the First World War has been awarded special status.

The Bournville Memorial Cross in Bournville has received Grade II listing following a decision by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to see it formally recognised.

Unveiled 93 years ago, the memorial has now been placed on the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest –offering it special protection for the future.

Gillian Ellis, Heritage Manager at BVT, said: “We are really pleased to see the Bournville Memorial Cross receive Grade II listing.

“Whilst it is already a much-loved and respected memorial in the village, it’s fantastic to see its historic and architectural importance recognised more widely.

“The listing will ensure that it is fully protected now and in the future, meaning that the sacrifices made by Bournville people will never be forgotten.”

Situated on Sycamore Road, the Bournville Memorial Cross was unveiled on 25 July 1923 by George Cadbury’s wife Dame Elizabeth Cadbury at a ceremony led by local clergy.

Three war memorials in Birmingham are

among the latest to be listed over the last year through Historic England’s pledge to protect 2,500 memorials by 2018, these include the Bournville Memorial Cross, Bartley Green War Memorial and Harborne War Memorial.

The Bournville Cross memorial now Grade II listed

Memorial to war heroes awarded special status

Mowing your lawn helps to keep it healthy

A computer generated image of how the new homes will look

inView10 SPRING 2016

Bournville has had its fair share of royal visitors over the years.

Ten years ago, HRH the Duke of Gloucester visited Bournville Junior School to celebrate its centenary.

This photograph shows the Duke touring the school in 2006, as part of a visit to the Village.

George Cadbury and his wife Elizabeth were the driving force behind the creation of both Bournville Junior School, which cost £20,000 to build and was opened in 1906, and the Day Continuation School on Bournville Green.

Education was very

important to George and he would often, after working 10 hour shifts at his chocolate factory, travel into Birmingham to teach people living in the inner city how to read and write.

Do you have a picture from the past of Birmingham or Telford to share? Contact Editor Claire Morrall on 0121 667 1104 or email clairemorrall@bvt.org.uk

If you like history and heritage, why not take a look at our timeline at bvt.org.uk/our-business/bvt-timeline

Register now for your ticket to Manor’s centenary celebration

Selly Manor Museum is to host a traditional Edwardian-style tea party to celebrate its 100th

anniversary and you’re invited. The Museum in Maple Road will hold

the free celebratory event, which will feature free tea and cake, garden games, entertainment and music, on Sunday 12th June

BVT residents are being urged to book their free ticket now as places are limited for the event which will run from 11am to 3pm.

Nicki Lupton, Learning and Interpretation Officer at the Museum, said: “We wanted to host this party to say thank you to everyone for their support over the years.

“Entry to the party is free, but places are limited so we strongly recommend that you book as soon as possible.”

To book your ticket, please call Selly Manor Museum on 0121 472 0199

or email sellymanor@bvt.org.uk by Wednesday 18th May 2016.

Dating back to 1474, Selly Manor was originally thought to be the manor house for Selly until research revealed it was in fact a prosperous house that was home to a host of colourful characters.

In the 19th century, it was split into three small cottages and became known as The Rookery, housing 21 people in cramped and squalid conditions.

It slowly fell into disrepair until it was spotted by George Cadbury who had it carefully taken down piece by piece and moved to its current site.

By the time the work was complete in 1916, The Rookery had a new name – Selly Manor – and today, it educates visitors on how people cooked, dressed and lived 500 years ago.

For more information about the Museum, visit sellymanormuseum.org.uk

‘A game for all ages’ club urges more people to take up bowlsA Bournville bowls club is looking to encourage more people to take up the sport as it celebrates its 120th anniversary.

Bournville Sports Crown Green Bowls Club, based at the Cadbury Recreational Ground, Linden Road, was founded in 1896 with just one set of bowls.

Today, the club plays in leagues five days a week and during internal competitions, bowling is supplemented with tea and cakes and the occasional barbeque.

Ray Pickering, Club Secretary, said: “We feel that bowls is a game for all ages

and would encourage families to take part, from grandchildren to grandparents.”

Annual membership is £35 per year plus an additional £10.40 for membership of the Cadbury Club. Junior membership is available at a reduced rate.

For more information, contact Ray on 07786 068644 or email razorpick46@virginmedia.com

Picture from the past

HRH the Duke of Gloucester

The Museum which is celebrating its 100th anniversary

Pupils visiting Selly Manor

inView 11SPRING 2016

April:

Tuesday 12th April (and every Tuesday): Pregnancy Yoga, Bournville Community Hub, Sycamore Road, Bournville. 7pm-8.30pm. For details, call the Hub on 0121 472 7989.

Thursday 14th April: Heritage Talk – Rebuilding Selly Manor, Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville. From 7pm. Free/booking essential.

Saturday 16th April: Antique & Collector’s Fair, Saint Mary’s Church, Dogpole, Shrewsbury. 10am-4pm.

Tuesday 19th April: Bournville Musical Theatre Company present Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham. 7.30pm onward.

Wednesday 20th April (and every Wednesday): Tea Dance (Sequence), Terrace Room, Rowheath Pavilion,

Heath Road, Bournville. 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

Saturday 23rd April: Silk Painting Workshop, Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville. 10am-4pm. £35 per person/booking essential.

Monday 25th April: Drop in IT & Internet Class (Beginners), Acorn IT Suite, Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village. 10am-4pm. Free.

May:

Saturday 7th May: Oakengates Weekly Market (traditional market stalls), Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford. 8am-3pm.

Wednesday 11th May (and every Wednesday): Pilates (gentle exercise class), Lightmoor Hall, Oak Tree Centre, Lightmoor Village. 6pm-7pm. £4 per class.

Wednesday 11th May (and every second Wednesday of each month): Dementia Café (support and social group run by Alzheimer’s Society), Bournville Friends Meeting House, Linden Road, Bournville. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Saturday 14th May: Magical Lands and Enchanted Places (children’s fun day/

story-telling sessions), Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville. 10am-5pm.

Monday 16th May (and every Monday): Tap Dancing, Shenley Court Hall, Green Meadow Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. 1:45pm – 2:45pm

Saturday 28th May (to the 5th June): From the Fire – Studio Ceramics from the Midland Potters Association exhibit, Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville.

June:

Wednesday 8th June: Lunch club (two course lunch for £3), Shenley Court Hall, Green Meadow Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. 11.45am-12.45pm. Booking essential call 0121 475 7521.

Sunday 12th June: Centenary Edwardian Tea Party, Selly Manor Museum, Maple Road, Bournville. 11am-3pm. Free entry for BVT residents/booking essential.

Tuesday 14th-18th June: Birmingham & Midland Operatic Society present Calamity Jane, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

Saturday 25th June: Bournville Village Festival (organised by Bournville Village Council), Cadbury Recreation Ground, Linden Road, Bournville.

Sunday 26th June: Shrewsbury Food Festival, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury. 10am-5pm.

What’s on – Calendar of Events The latest events happening across Birmingham and Shropshire.

*Please note that BVT do not endorse any events, services or activities provided by third parties and published in this newsletter. Please contact venues/organisations direct for details*

Monday 16th May

Saturday 25th June

Saturday 23rd April

inView12 SPRING 2016

To be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love to Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 130 leading stores, complete the Quiz and return your answers to: Bournville Village Trust, C/O Claire Morrall, 350 Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1QY or email InView@bvt.org.uk –with subject header ‘Quiz’ by Monday 23rd May 2016.

All correct entries will be placed into a prize draw with one winner chosen at random.

1: Cappuccino, latte and espresso are all types of what drink? 2: In which Spanish city would you find Park Güell? 3: Which film was named ‘Best Film’ at this year’s British Academy

Film Awards? 4: Whose album titles include ‘A Night on the Town’, ‘Tonight I’m

Yours’ and ‘Vagabond Heart’?

5: Who was the first wife of King Henry VIII and also the mother of Mary I?

6: In which television sitcom would you expect to find the characters ‘Del Boy’ and ‘Rodney’?

7: The ‘Worcester Warriors’, ‘Newcastle Falcons’ and ‘Leicester Tigers’ all play in the English Premiership of which sport?

8: Name the author who wrote ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’?

9: In Greek mythology, Zeus is the God of what?

10: You’ll find the answer to this question in this newsletter… Selly Manor Museum’s celebratory tea party will take place when?

To be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love to Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 130 leading stores, complete the wordsearch and return to: Bournville Village Trust, C/O Claire Morrall, 350 Bournville Lane, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1QY by Monday 23rd May 2016. All correct entries will be placed into a prize draw with one winner chosen at random.

1: Apple2: Orange3: Pineapple4: Pear5: Banana6: Apricot

7: Blackberry8: Cherry9: Melon10: Papaya11: Mango12: Pomegranate

QUIZ

Wordsearch

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